Will Supervillains Be on the Final?by Naomi NovikIllustrated by Yishan Li

From the New York Times bestselling author of the Temeraire novels comes the first graphic novel in a thrilling new saga about the next generation of high-flying costumed crusaders.

HEROISM 101

As universities go, Liberty Vocational is the private college of choice for budding superheroes learning to master their extraordinary powers for the good of humankind. But for sixteen-year-old Leah Taymore, just making her way through classes without incident is shaping up to be a superhuman task. Star struck by legendary ex-hero turned student advisor Calvin Washington, petrified by ultrastrict dean Dr. Santos, and tongue-tied over her supercool (and handsome) classmate Paul Lyman, timid Leah fears that even her ability to manipulate atoms won’t be enough to survive the rigors of L.V.—and become a full-fledged defender of all that is right. But the real test of her mettle is yet to come, in the form of infamous supervillain Bane, who has infiltrated Liberty with a sinister plan to bring down the best and brightest heroes of tomorrow before they even take flight.

Excerpt

Below is a seven-page excerpt from Will Supervillains Be On The Final?.

Enjoyed what you just read? Continue reading in a second excerpt posted on io9 HERE!

Reviews

Comics Worth Reading — “I liked the emphasis on ethical choices in terms of educating young heroes. . . Many readers will identify with Leah’s mistakes and the times she feels like a goof.”

Publishers Weekly — “The first in a proposed Liberty Vocational series mixes a familiar concept—the superhero school, as seen in the film Sky High and the Web comic PS238—with manga-styled art and character types of those found in countless high school manga. Leah’s atom-manipulation powers are significant enough to get her sent away to a private college for kid heroes, where she’s confronted with ethical choices both in and out of the classroom. The cast will seem familiar if you’ve read any of the recent graphic novel book spinoffs of superhero comics. They’ve got that generic manga look and expected personalities: snooty older girl, mysterious boyfriend material, older crush, snarky roommate. Leah’s ability to do almost anything is too convenient, and exactly what she’s doing isn’t always clear to the reader, unless the text explains it. The big secret plot is set up for a future volume to resolve, which leaves the motives of some characters unclear. Novik is already a bestseller for her Temeraire novels, and some of that audience will hopefully follow her to a likable book with lots of hooks and entertainment, especially for girls. (Apr. 2011)”